baejeogori

Baejeogori refers to a type of Korean traditional clothing, specifically a variation of the jeogori, which is the upper garment of a hanbok. The term "bae" in this context often denotes a pregnancy or a growing belly. Therefore, baejeogori is a jeogori designed to accommodate a pregnant woman's changing body shape.

Historically, Korean women often continued to wear traditional hanbok throughout their pregnancies, and adjustments were made to ensure comfort and practicality. The baejeogori would typically feature a wider cut, particularly around the torso and abdomen, allowing for expansion as the pregnancy progressed. The ties or goreum, used to fasten the jeogori, might also be longer or positioned differently to provide a more comfortable fit.

While contemporary hanbok designs offer specialized maternity wear, the concept of baejeogori represents an important aspect of historical Korean clothing adaptation for expectant mothers. It reflects a practical and culturally sensitive approach to maintaining traditional attire during a significant life stage. The design would have prioritized ease of movement and a modest appearance, ensuring the pregnant woman felt both comfortable and culturally attired. The emphasis was on functional modification of an existing garment rather than a completely new type of clothing.